Description
Delightful strawberry shortcake trifle brings classic summer dessert layers into one irresistible bowl. Creamy mascarpone, fresh berries, and crumbled shortbread create a luscious treat that will have guests asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
Dairy Components:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
Fruit and Finishing Ingredients:
- 4 cups (600 grams) fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup (200 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the cake base by mixing yellow cake mix with eggs, water, and vegetable oil according to package instructions. Bake in a greased pan at recommended temperature until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cake to cool completely, then slice into uniform bite-sized cubes.
- Transform fresh strawberries by removing stems and slicing into elegant pieces. Combine sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and a splash of lemon juice. Let the mixture rest for 15-20 minutes, allowing natural juices to develop a vibrant, sweet syrup.
- Create luxurious whipped cream using a chilled mixing bowl. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until peaks form that hold their shape definitively, creating a light and airy texture.
- Construct the trifle by strategically layering components in a clear glass dish or individual serving vessels. Alternate between tender cake cubes, macerated strawberry mixture with its syrupy essence, and billowy whipped cream. Repeat layers, ensuring each component is evenly distributed.
- Enhance flavor development by refrigerating the assembled trifle for a minimum of 2 hours. This resting period allows ingredients to meld and intensify their complementary taste profiles.
- Present the dessert beautifully by garnishing with additional fresh strawberry slices. Serve directly from the refrigerator for optimal taste and visual appeal.
Notes
- Ensure cake is completely cooled to prevent whipped cream from melting during layering.
- Use room temperature strawberries for maximum flavor release and natural sweetness.
- Choose fresh, ripe strawberries with deep red color for the most vibrant taste and presentation.
- For gluten-free version, substitute yellow cake mix with gluten-free cake mix or almond flour cake.
- Prep Time: 25-30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 292kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg